News Summary
Timothy Beard’s one-year term as interim President of Florida A&M University concluded as he presided over summer commencement. Having implemented key initiatives and achieved fundraising milestones, Beard reflected positively on his impact. Marva Johnson has succeeded him as FAMU’s 13th president, facing challenges amid stakeholder skepticism. Beard encouraged students to lead in their communities while transitioning into retirement.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Timothy Beard’s one-year tenure as interim President of Florida A&M University (FAMU) officially concluded on August 1, coinciding with the institution’s summer commencement at Lawson Center, where he presided over approximately 400 graduating students. Beard reflected on his role, characterizing it as the pinnacle of his 41-year career in higher education, while expressing hope that he made a positive impact during his time at the university.
Beard stepped into the interim leadership position following the resignation of President Larry Robinson, who left due to mishandling of a significant donation. Marva Johnson took over as the 13th president of FAMU on the same day Beard’s interim role ended. The transition follows a farewell reception held on July 29 at The Moon, which was attended by around 60 guests, including senior administration members and local officials.
Originally from Port St. Joe, Florida, Beard retired from Pasco-Hernando State College before his interim appointment. He holds an associate’s degree from FAMU and advanced degrees from Florida State University in rehabilitation counseling. Under his leadership, several initiatives were implemented that aimed to enhance the university’s operations, including the addition of key leadership positions such as Vice President of Athletics and Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
During Beard’s term, FAMU achieved notable accomplishments. There was a 6.5% increase in contributions during the Day of Giving campaign, and he secured $2.08 million in estate gifts. His efforts to improve donor engagement strategies were well-received, contributing significantly to FAMU’s financial health. The athletics department flourished under his tenure as well, capturing multiple championships in women’s volleyball, track & field, and men’s golf. Beard’s leadership also resulted in a significant performance-based funding model score of 83.
In an effort to support student success, Beard initiated the ‘Pathways to Student Success’ program aimed at assisting high school students in their transition to higher education. FAMU now ranks No. 81 among public universities and has maintained its status as the top public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the nation for six consecutive years.
The incoming president, Marva Johnson, faces a challenging landscape due to her controversial appointment and prior associations with the Republican Party, which have left some stakeholders skeptical. Johnson has expressed a commitment to listen to stakeholders and uphold FAMU’s legacy while promoting institutional progress and advancement moving forward.
In his farewell message, Beard encouraged students to overcome challenges, lead in their communities, and strive to make a difference in the world. As he transitions into retirement, Beard expressed enthusiasm for spending more time with family while remaining engaged in community activities.
FAMU’s National Alumni Association has voiced its commitment to ensuring that the new leadership aligns with the university’s core values and meets the expectations of the community as the institution navigates this transitional phase.
The strategic transition plan for Johnson will focus on maintaining the momentum achieved during Beard’s tenure and continuing the university’s progress in both academic and extracurricular domains.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Farewell to Timothy Beard
- WTXL: Marva Johnson Officially Begins as FAMU’s President
- WTXL: FAMU Summer 2025 Commencement
- Tallahassee.com: Marva Johnson’s Video Message
- San Luis Obispo: College Sports Coverage
- Wikipedia: Florida A&M University
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
